—In a café, if it's not the ambience but only the drink that you want—a quick cup of coffee or tea, a cooling soft drink, a warming glass of wine or beer—have it while standing at the counter. It costs more to have a drink at a table rather than at the counter.

—Plan to picnic sometimes for lunch or dinner. French cheeses, terrines, quiches, bread and wine are superb, and cheaper if you buy them in a shop rather than in a café or restaurant.

—For lunch and dinner in a restaurant, order one of the formules or menus, set-price meals of two or three courses at a fixed price; or have just the plat du jour (daily special plate). These offerings are invariably fresh and delicious, and come to you at the best possible price, much cheaper than if you ordered them à la carte.

—Avoid ordering special wines, which can be expensive, unless it's a really good wine you're after.

—Shop for transportation online. French railroads now use airline-style yield management techniques, which means that the several passengers sitting in a railroad car may have paid very different prices for exactly the same seats. Shop around, try different departure days and times if possible—just as with the airlines—and see if you can reduce the price of your travel.

—In Paris, buy Métro tickets (which are also good on buses) by the carnet (10 tickets) to reduce the price per ticket by nearly 20%.

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